⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Tarification : Proton VPN starts at $2.99/mo vs Windscribe at $5.75/mo (annual plan)
- Idéal pour : Proton VPN for privacy-first users, Windscribe for budget flexibility and unlimited devices
- Différence principale : Proton VPN has 8,600+ servers and Swiss jurisdiction; Windscribe offers unlimited simultaneous connections and a Build A Plan option
- Our pick: Proton VPN for most users — stronger privacy protections and a larger server network at a lower price
Proton VPN and Windscribe both offer a free VPN plan.
That makes this comparison tricky for budget-minded users.
One is built in Switzerland with a privacy-first mission.
The other is a Canadian VPN service with flexible pricing.
This guide breaks down which one fits your needs.
Aperçu
This ProtonVPN vs Windscribe comparison covers pricing, features, and ease of use.
We also break down who each VPN service works best for.
Our sources include published specs, documentation, and user reviews.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN provider fits your needs.
Qu'est-ce que ProtonVPN ?
Proton VPN is a secure VPN service built by Proton Technologies AG.
The company is based in Switzerland under some of the world’s strongest privacy laws.
It encrypts your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel and hides your IP address from your internet service provider.
Proton VPN offers a free version with unlimited bandwidth and no ads.
Proton VPN is good for anyone who wants a premium VPN without expensive VPN pricing.
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with 8,600+ servers and a strict no-logs policy. The free plan has no data limits or ads.
Tarifs de ProtonVPN
Voici le prix de Proton VPN en 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | 0,00 $/mois | Navigation de base et confidentialité |
| Plus | 2,99 $/mois | Full VPN access with streaming |
| Illimité | 7,99 $/mois | VPN + Proton Mail, Drive, Pass |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : No traditional free trial, but the free plan works forever with no credit card.
Garantie de remboursement : Politique de remboursement de 30 jours sur tous les forfaits payants.
📌 Note: The Plus and Unlimited plans include the same VPN features. The Unlimited plan adds Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Calendar, and Passage Proton.
⚠️ Avertissement: After the initial discounted term, Proton VPN renews at the standard rate of $9.99/month. Turn off auto-renewal before your billing cycle ends to avoid the higher price.
Principaux avantages de ProtonVPN
Here’s what makes Proton VPN worth considering:
- Confidentialité en Suisse : Based in Switzerland, outside the Five Eyes and Fourteen Eyes alliances. Swiss law protects your data from foreign government requests.
- Serveurs centraux sécurisés : Routes your internet traffic through privacy-friendly countries before reaching the endpoint server. This adds an extra layer of protection.
- Politique de non-conservation des journaux : Proton VPN passed an independent third-party audit confirming it keeps zero IP logs or browsing history.
- Applications open source : All Proton VPN apps are open-source. Anyone can inspect the code for security flaws.
- Formule gratuite : The free version offers unlimited bandwidth with no ads. It covers one device and five server locations.
- Bloqueur de publicités NetShield : Bloque les publicités, les traqueurs et les logiciels malveillants au niveau DNS. Fonctionne sur tous les appareils connectés.
- Tor via VPN : Connect to the Tor network through dedicated Tor servers for extra anonymity. No need for a separate Tor browser.
What Our Team Noticed
Notre écrivain signed up for Proton VPN and spent several days exploring the Proton VPN app across devices. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de ProtonVPN
✅ Avantages
- Formule gratuite avec bande passante illimitée et sans publicité
- juridiction suisse en dehors des alliances de surveillance
- Proton VPN passed an independent audit confirming strict no logs policy
- 8,600+ Proton VPN servers across 112 countries
- Open-source Proton apps on all platforms including mobile device and Linux app
❌ Inconvénients
- Free plan limited to one mobile device and five server locations
- No live chat support from Proton VPN support staff
- Renewal prices jump after the initial discount period
- No dedicated IP addresses offered
Qu'est-ce que Windscribe ?
Windscribe is a VPN service based in Ontario, Canada.
It secures your internet connection by encrypting data and masking your IP address.
Windscribe is known for its generous free plan and flexible Windscribe subscription options.
The Build A Plan option lets you pay only for the server locations you need.
We recommend Windscribe for users who want a free service with unlimited data on multiple devices.
Windscribe
Flexible VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and a 10GB free plan. Build your own plan starting at $1 per location.
Tarification de Windscribe
Voici le prix de Windscribe en 2026.
| Plan | Prix | Idéal pour |
|---|---|---|
| Élaborer un plan | Coutume | Users who need only specific locations |
| Plan annuel | 5,75 $/mois | Full access at the best annual rate |
| Forfait mensuel | 9,00 $/mois | Utilisation à court terme sans engagement |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Essai gratuit : No traditional trial. The free plan gives you 10GB of data per month with no credit card required.
Garantie de remboursement : Windscribe’s money back guarantee lasts only 3 days, and only if you’ve used less than 10GB of data.
📌 Note: The Build A Plan option costs $1 per location per month. Each added location gives you 10GB of extra data. A minimum of two locations is required.
⚠️ Avertissement: Windscribe’s money-back guarantee lasts only three days. That’s much shorter than the 30-day refund window most other VPN providers offer.
Principaux avantages de Windscribe
Here’s what makes Windscribe worth considering:
- Appareils illimités : Connect as many devices as you want on a single account. Most VPN services cap you at 5-10.
- R.O.B.E.R.T.: A DNS-level ad blocker that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. You can customize block lists by category.
- Build A Plan: Pay $1 per month for each location you need. This is useful if you only need VPN access in a few countries.
- Extensions de navigateur : Windscribe’s browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge include a proxy server, ad blocker, and cookie monitor.
- Formule gratuite : 10GB of data per month with access to servers in 10+ countries. No email sign-up required.
- Adresses IP statiques : Available as an add-on for users who need a consistent IP address for work or accès à distance.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Windscribe and tested the Windscribe apps on both desktop and mobile. Here’s what stood out:
Avantages et inconvénients de Windscribe
✅ Avantages
- Connexions simultanées illimitées entre appareils sur tous les forfaits
- Generous free plan with 10GB of data per month
- Build A Plan for custom pricing — check Windscribe deals for discounts
- R.O.B.E.R.T. blocks ads and malware at the DNS level
- Windscribe’s apps include desktop app, mobile apps, and browser extensions
❌ Inconvénients
- Based in Canada, a Five Eyes alliance country
- Only 3-day money-back guarantee with a 10GB cap
- Smaller server network than Proton VPN (about 500 servers)
- No live chat support — email tickets only
Comparaison des fonctionnalités
Let’s compare Proton VPN and Windscribe across 10 key features. This will help you decide which VPN provider fits your needs.
| Fonctionnalité | ProtonVPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Prix initial | 2,99 $/mois | 5,75 $/mois |
| Plan gratuit | ✅ Données illimitées | ✅ 10 Go/mois |
| Nombre de serveurs | Plus de 8 600 serveurs | ~500 servers |
| Dispositifs simultanés | 10 appareils | Illimité |
| Interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence | ✅ | ✅ (Pare-feu) |
| Tunnelage fractionné | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bloqueur de publicités | ✅ NetShield | ✅ R.O.B.E.R.T. |
| Applications open source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Double VPN / Multi-Haut | ✅ Noyau sécurisé | ✅ Double saut |
| Idéal pour | Utilisateurs soucieux de la confidentialité | flexibilité budgétaire |
1. Confidentialité et juridiction
ProtonVPN : Based in Switzerland, which sits outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliances. Swiss privacy laws protect user data from foreign government demands. Proton VPN has a strict no-logs policy verified by independent audits. The company also publishes a transparency report showing it has complied with very few legal requests.
Windscribe : Headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Canada is part of the Five Eyes alliance, which shares intelligence between member nations. Windscribe has a strict no-logs policy and stores minimal data in RAM only. Dutch authorities seized a Windscribe server and found exactly zero requests worth of user data. Windscribe Windscribe calls this approach “provably private” — your browsing history and relevant data are never stored.
2. Réseau de serveurs
ProtonVPN : Operates 8,600+ VPN servers spread across 112 countries. This large server network means you’ll find a nearby server almost anywhere. More servers also means less crowding and faster connection speeds during peak hours.
Windscribe : Has roughly 500 Windscribe servers in over 110 cities across 66 countries. The network is smaller but covers major regions. Windscribe shows live server load, so you can pick the least crowded option.
3. Free Plan
ProtonVPN : The free VPN plan offers unlimited bandwidth with no data limit. You get one device and access to servers in five countries. There are no ads and no speed throttling on the free tier.
Windscribe : The free plan gives you 10GB of data per month if you register with an email. Without an email, you get 2GB. You can use it on unlimited devices, and it covers 10+ countries. The data limit means roughly 7 hours of streaming at most.
⚠️ Avertissement: Proton VPN’s free plan has no data cap but limits you to one device. Windscribe’s free plan caps data at 10GB but allows unlimited device connections. Choose based on whether you need more data or more devices.
4. Vitesse et performance
ProtonVPN : Includes a VPN Accelerator feature that uses advanced networking to boost connection speeds and download speeds. Proton VPN supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 VPN protocols. The large server network helps maintain fast internet speeds even during busy periods. Proton VPN is easy to set up — connect with one tap on the Windows app or Androïde application.
Windscribe : Delivers strong download speeds with WireGuard. According to Windscribe’s documentation, the apps connect in a few seconds. Free servers are about 15% slower than paid ones on average. Windscribe supports WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, and IKEv2.
5. Dispositifs de sécurité
ProtonVPN : Uses AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. The Secure Core feature routes your encrypted VPN tunnel through privacy-friendly countries first. It also includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and full DNS leak test support. These security features help prevent DNS leaks and block your internet service provider from tracking your internet traffic.
Windscribe : Uses AES-256 encryption with SHA-512 authentication. The Firewall feature acts as a kill switch — it blocks all internet access if the VPN connection drops. Windscribe also offers DNS leak protection and supports a double VPN hop for extra security.
6. Ad and Tracker Blocking
ProtonVPN : NetShield works at the DNS level to block ads, trackers, and malware. It’s a one-click toggle inside the Proton VPN app. NetShield is available only on paid plans.
Windscribe : R.O.B.E.R.T. is a customizable DNS and IP level blocker. You can choose which categories to block: ads, trackers, malware, gambling, and more. It works on both the desktop app and Windscribe’s browser extensions.
7. Diffusion en continu et accès au contenu
ProtonVPN : Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on paid plans. The Stealth protocol helps bypass VPN blocks in restrictive regions. Free plan users can access streaming sites but content unblocking isn’t guaranteed.
Windscribe : Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video on the Windscribe Pro plan. Windscribe’s free version allows limited streaming access but the data limit makes it impractical. Testing Windscribe on premium servers showed no buffering during playback.
8. Connexions des appareils
ProtonVPN : Allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections on paid plans. The free plan supports only one device. Apps work on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, and Apple TV.
Windscribe : Offers unlimited simultaneous connections on both free and paid plans. This covers Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Windscribe also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge that handle browser traffic separately. You can also configure a network adapter for router-level protection or use the Windows version for a Wi-Fi hotspot setup.
9. Tunnelage fractionné
ProtonVPN : Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the encrypted VPN tunnel and which use your regular internet connection. This is available on the Windows app, Android app, and Linux app.
Windscribe : Split tunneling is available on the Windows client and Android app. You can also manage local network traffic separately. The desktop app lets you define which apps route through the VPN connection and which bypass it. The user agent spoofing feature adds another layer of privacy for browser traffic. Windscribe only proxies the apps you choose.
10. Tarification et coût
Comparons les plans tarifaires côte à côte.
| Plan | ProtonVPN | Windscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Gratuit | 0 $ (données illimitées, 1 appareil) | 0 $ (10 Go/mois, appareils illimités) |
| Custom / Build | ❌ | From $1/location/month |
| Annuel | 2,99 $/mois | 5,75 $/mois |
| Mensuel | 9,99 $/mois | 9,00 $/mois |
| Paquet | 7,99 $/mois (illimité) | ❌ |
ProtonVPN : The annual Plus plan at $2.99/month is nearly half the cost of Windscribe’s yearly plan. The Unlimited plan at $7.99/month bundles Proton Mail, Drive, and Pass — good value if you need those Proton services too. The 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to test.
Windscribe : More expensive on annual plans but offers the Build A Plan option for budget control. If you only need two locations, that’s $2/month plus $1 for unlimited data — totaling $3/month. The monthly rate of $9.00 is slightly cheaper than Proton VPN’s $9.99. Windscribe’s money-back guarantee is only 3 days.
Différents scénarios
| Si vous avez besoin | Choisir | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|
| Confidentialité maximale | ProtonVPN | Swiss jurisdiction, audited no-logs |
| Appareils illimités | Windscribe | No device cap on any plan |
| Formule annuelle la moins chère | ProtonVPN | $2.99/mo vs $5.75/mo |
| Free plan with more data | ProtonVPN | Unlimited data vs 10GB cap |
| Free plan with more devices | Windscribe | Unlimited vs 1 device |
| Tarification personnalisée | Windscribe | Élaborez un plan à partir de 1 $/emplacement |
| Le plus grand réseau de serveurs | ProtonVPN | 8,600+ vs ~500 servers |
💰 Votre budget
Proton VPN’s annual plan costs $2.99/month. Windscribe’s annual plan costs $5.75/month. If you only need a couple of server locations, Windscribe’s Build A Plan could save you money at $3/month total.
🔌 Votre pile technologique
Both VPN services work on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Windscribe adds browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Proton VPN supports Android TV and Apple TV with dedicated apps.
🔒 Vos besoins en matière de confidentialité
If you’re a journalist, activist, or Linux user with serious privacy concerns, Proton VPN is the safer pick. Its Swiss base and open-source apps make it the more transparent VPN company. Windscribe works fine for everyday browsing privacy.
🎓 Votre niveau d'expérience
Both apps are beginner-friendly. Proton VPN is easy to connect — open the app and tap a server. Windscribe gives more advanced features like R.O.B.E.R.T. customization and config générateurs for power users.
🆓 Essais et démos gratuits
Both offer free plans instead of traditional trials. Test Proton VPN if you want unlimited data on one device. Test Windscribe if you want 10GB across unlimited devices. Neither requires a credit card to start.
🛟 Options d'assistance
Neither VPN provider offers live chat support. Proton VPN handles customer support through email and a help center. Windscribe uses email tickets and an AI chatbot. Both have detailed knowledge bases.
Guide de changement
Vous utilisez déjà l'un de ces outils ? Voici à quoi vous attendre si vous en changez.
🔄 Vous passez de ProtonVPN à Windscribe ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Unlimited simultaneous connections instead of 10
- Build A Plan pricing for custom location access
- Browser extensions with built-in proxy server and ad blocker
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction and open-source code
- Secure Core multi-hop through privacy-friendly countries
- Access to 8,600+ servers vs roughly 500
📋 Comment changer :
- Cancel your Proton VPN subscription before renewal
- Create a Windscribe account (no email required for the free plan)
- Download the Windscribe apps on your devices and connect
🔄 Vous passez de Windscribe à ProtonVPN ?
✅ Ce que vous y gagnerez :
- Juridiction suisse en dehors de toute alliance de surveillance
- 8,600+ servers in 112 countries for faster speeds
- Open-source, independently audited apps
❌ Ce que vous perdrez :
- Unlimited device connections (Proton caps at 10)
- Build A Plan custom pricing flexibility
- Browser extensions with proxy and cookie monitoring
📋 Comment changer :
- Cancel your Windscribe subscription within the 3-day window or before renewal
- Sign up for a free Proton VPN account at Proton VPN’s website
- Install the Proton VPN app on your devices and upgrade to Plus if needed
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise VPN configurations or evaluate how either tool handles corporate network setups. Port forwarding performance for gaming and torrenting wasn’t measured in detail. If you manage a large team or need business-grade VPN connections with dedicated servers, your experience may differ from what we’ve described here.
Verdict final
| Catégorie | Gagnant |
|---|---|
| 💰 Tarification | ProtonVPN |
| 🔒 Confidentialité et juridiction | ProtonVPN |
| 🌐 Réseau de serveurs | ProtonVPN |
| 📱 Connexions des appareils | Windscribe |
| 🛡️ Fonctionnalités de sécurité | ProtonVPN |
| 🆓 Valeur du forfait gratuit | Cravate |
| 🔌 Browser Extensions | Windscribe |
| 🏆 Vainqueur toutes catégories | ProtonVPN |
🏆 GAGNANT : ProtonVPN
Proton VPN wins 4 out of 7 categories.
Idéal pour : Privacy-focused users, streaming access, and users who want a trusted VPN provider with a large server network
Proton VPN and Windscribe serve different types of users. Proton VPN is the better choice for anyone who puts privacy first. Its Swiss base, audited no-logs policy, and open-source apps set it apart from most VPN companies.
Windscribe shines if you need unlimited simultaneous connections or want to build a custom plan for specific countries. Its R.O.B.E.R.T. ad blocker and browser extensions add value for everyday browsing.
For most users, Proton VPN offers more protection at a lower annual price.
Comparaison de ProtonVPN
Here’s how Proton VPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
ProtonVPN vs NordVPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, free plan with unlimited data
NordVPN l'emporte sur : Larger server count, faster raw speeds, dedicated IP option
ProtonVPN contre ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Lower annual pricing, free tier available, transparency through open-source code
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : Wider streaming support, faster connection on distant servers, 24/7 live chat support
ProtonVPN contre SurfsharkVPN
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Privacy-focused Swiss base, Secure Core double-hop routing, audited no-logs record
SurfsharkVPN l'emporte sur : Cheaper long-term pricing, unlimited device connections, GPS spoofing on Android
ProtonVPN contre Private Internet Access
ProtonVPN l'emporte sur : Swiss vs US jurisdiction, Secure Core multi-hop, open-source since launch
Private Internet Access l'emporte sur : Lower cost on multi-year plans, larger server network, SOCKS5 proxy included
Comparaison de Windscribe
Here’s how Windscribe stacks up against other VPN providers:
Windscribe contre NordVPN
Windscribe l'emporte sur : Unlimited device connections, flexible Build A Plan pricing, generous free tier
NordVPN l'emporte sur : Much larger server network, faster speeds globally, 24/7 live chat support
Windscribe contre ExpressVPN
Windscribe l'emporte sur : Free plan available, unlimited devices, lower annual pricing
ExpressVPN l'emporte sur : Faster speeds on distant servers, broader streaming support, 30-day guarantee
Windscribe contre CyberGhost
Windscribe l'emporte sur : Unlimited device cap, R.O.B.E.R.T. customizable blocker, Build A Plan flexibility
CyberGhost l'emporte sur : Larger server network, dedicated streaming servers, 45-day money-back guarantee
Foire aux questions
Le VPN Proton est-il sûr à utiliser ?
Yes. Proton VPN is based in Switzerland and follows a strict no-logs policy confirmed by independent audits. All apps are open-source, so anyone can verify the code. The service uses AES-256 encryption and includes a kill switch to prevent data leaks.
Windscribe VPN est-il vraiment gratuit ?
Windscribe offers a permanent free plan with 10GB of data per month. You don’t need a credit card to sign up. The free version includes access to servers in 10+ countries and works on unlimited devices. It’s not a trial — it stays free forever.
Which is better — ProtonVPN or Windscribe?
Proton VPN is better for privacy, pricing, and server coverage. Windscribe is better if you need unlimited device connections or custom pricing. For most users, Proton VPN offers stronger protection at a lower annual cost.
Proton VPN est-il compatible avec Netflix ?
Yes. Proton VPN unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video on paid plans. The free plan can access streaming sites, but unblocking specific libraries isn’t guaranteed without a Plus subscription.
Peut-on faire confiance à Windscribe VPN ?
Windscribe has a strong privacy track record. When authorities seized a server in 2021, they found no user data. The company upgraded to RAM-only servers afterward. It does log minimal metadata like bandwidth used, but nothing that can identify you.
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